WallDockDeck
Lighthouse Point · Broward County

Do I need a permit to repair a seawall in Lighthouse Point?

Yes, plus county licensecity permit + county license

Yes. Lighthouse Point's Building Department lists repairs to seawalls among projects that need a building permit, and even owner-builders must use a licensed contractor for piling work. Starting without a permit brings a stop work order and double fees. Broward County also requires its own Environmental Resource License, often a general license for a repair in the same place.

Source: City of Lighthouse Point Building & Zoning FAQ; Broward County Code Ch. 27 Art. XI Secs. 27-333, 27-336 (Supp. 72); s. 403.813(1)(e), F.S. (2026); 33 CFR 322.3(a) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

City'Repairs to seawalls' are on the city's list of work that needs a building permit; owner-builders may pull most permits, but all electrical, roofing and piling work must be done by a licensed contractor; contractors must register with the city before applying; work begun without a permit draws a stop work order, a code enforcement violation notice and twice the original fee - City Building & Zoning FAQ. Online applications through the city's SmartGov permitting portal - same page After an unpermitted job is permitted, covered work must be uncovered for inspection before the stop work order is lifted, unless the building official lets an engineer or architect inspect it and accept responsibility in a letter - same page. Single-family permits issued after 1 July 2026 are valid for 1 year, each passed inspection extends the permit, and renewals cost 50% of the permit cost the first time and 100% the second; a permit that lapses a third time must be applied for again - same page
Broward CountyConstruction in regulated aquatic resources needs a county Environmental Resource License (ERL) - Broward County Code Sec. 27-333(a)(1). Repairing an existing functional seawall no more than 1 ft waterward of its authorized location, or a new wall within 1 ft of the old wet face with the old wall left in place, qualifies for a general license (Sec. 27-336(a)(1)b.), as do refacing, crack filling, seepage holes and other minor repairs (n.) and raising the cap in the same footprint (o.); the code says a general license is issued within 10 days of a complete application - Sec. 27-336(a)(1)
StateRestoring a seawall at its previous location, upland of it, or within 18 inches waterward is exempt from a state environmental resource permit; the exemption does not replace permission to use state-owned submerged land or county and city requirements, and does not cover chapter 161 coastal permits - s. 403.813(1), (1)(e), F.S.
FederalA U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Department of the Army) authorization is required for structures or work in or affecting navigable waters, unless exempt or covered by a nationwide or regional general permit - 33 CFR 322.3(a) (Rivers and Harbors Act s. 10)

Your city's height sheet

The elevation your city requires, the datum it is measured in, and the section of code that says so. One page.

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The county rule behind this

What applies across Broward County, and where each city departs from it.

Broward CountySeawall requirements county-wide

The same question, nearby

The rule changes at the city line, not the county line.

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What to look for, where to look for it, and what it means when you find it. Walk your wall in twenty minutes.

A screening sheet for owners, not an engineering inspection.

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